LCA Año Viejo 2023 by AJ Fernandez

Thursday, Jan. 5th at 9pm CA time/12am est.

The sequel to last year’s turn of the year cigar bares a similar label, however, a stark departure in size from the previous release. At about this time in 2022, the LCA release was created by Dr. Gabby Kafie under the name Año Viejo 2022. The concept of the title dates back to a tradition in Columbia. As Privada put it, “Translating as ‘Old Year’ Año Viejo is a New Year’s celebration focused on purging the negativity of the old year to make room for prosperity and happiness. Hence the picture of the rather unique-looking mask on the cigar label. The holiday involves a tradition of burning nondescript effigies that are supposed to personify any unpleasantness of the old year, so think of burning this cigar as a
peaceful and relaxing opportunity to let go of any negativity from the old year and a celebration
of the year to come.”

This year, the honor of blending the 2023 Año Viejo was given to Mr. AJ Fernandez, much to my excitement. The following was released about this particular blend: “This is a sequel to last year’s release Año Viejo 2022. This year’s iteration is a full-bodied 6×60 produced by AJ Fernandez featuring a Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper and Nicaraguan filler and binder. Translating to “Old Year,” Año Viejo is a holiday celebrated predominately in Columbia, Ecuador, and Honduras.”

The original Dr. Kafie blend sported a four year aged Ecuadorian Havana Natural Wrapper around a 7×38 Lancero. This year’s larger, darker cigar is quite different. I will also say that the Año Viejo 2023 is probably the MOST LIMITED LCA drop to date. Maybe on par with Purple People Eater dropped this last year. However, AJ’s cigars were mailed out to LCA shops, and there are NONE left! Trust me; I checked—multiple times. If you want to try this superb-looking cigar rolled at AJ’s Factory, don’t miss the drop! Thursday, Jan. 5th at 9pm CA time/12am est. Let’s bring in the new year, burn some leaves, and welcome 2023. It is going to be a great year for cigar smoking; this is just the beginning.